H. pylori CagA Antigen, 0.5 mg

Cytotoxin associated geneA (CagA) is one of the 31 putative genes in cag pathogenicity island (PAI) and only exists in one subgroup of H. pylori. This 40-kb segment is incorporated into the H. pylori genome via horizontal transfer. CagA can then translocate from H. pylori into H. pylori-attached gastric epithelial cells via the bacterial type IV secretion system. This allows for the manipulation of many host cellular functions including cytoskeletal function, cell-to-cell adhesion, and intracellular signal transduction. This myriad of activities and interactions promote host cell ulceration and malignancy.